Limited harvest for 'unique' snook starts Sept. 1 in Florida

The recreational harvest season for snook starts Sept. 1 statewide.

Unique to the region, snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages anglers to use moderation when determining whether or not to take a snook home. Gulf snook populations were pared significantly by a 2010 cold kill.

Gulf snook numbers now exceed FWC management goals and are still rebuilding to pre-cold kill levels.

During the open season, the daily bag limit is one fish per person. In the Atlantic, snook must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 32 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side.

In the Gulf, they must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 33 inches total length.

A snook permit and recreational saltwater license is required unless the angler is exempt from the recreational license requirements. Snook may be targeted or harvested with hook and line gear only. Snagging is prohibited.

Snook are closed to harvest Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Aug. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters. In Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, snook is closed Dec. 15through Jan. 31 and June 1 through Aug. 31.

Researchers ask anglers who harvest the fish to save their filleted carcasses and provide them to the FWC by dropping them off at a participating bait and tackle store. For the county-by-county list, go to MyFWC.com/Research and click on “Saltwater,” then “Snook” (under “Saltwater Fish”) and “Snook Anglers Asked to Help with Research.”

These carcasses provide biological data, including the size, age, maturity and sex of the catch. This information is important to the FWC in completing stock assessments.

If you see a snook fishery violation, call the Wildlife Alert Program at 888-404-FWCC, ext. 3922.